Exfoliation is a key part of every skincare regime, and during winter you may find yourself reaching for your exfoliator a little more regularly.
Most of us struggle with dry skin at some point or another, and exfoliating is a key part of managing the problem. Our skin cells turn over monthly. During the process, our skin sloughs off older cells to be replaced by new ones. Sometimes these dead skin cells build up on the surface of the skin, leading to a rough texture, uneven tone, breakouts and dullness.
Exfoliation removes the layer of dead skin cells that accumulate on the top layer of the skin. Not only does this help keep pores clear and skin flake-free, but it also brightens skin and allows products to penetrate the skin more easily. Regular exfoliation leads to clearer, brighter and softer skin.
Exfoliating is a pretty simple task, however, there are a couple of essential do’s and don’ts that will ensure you get the most your of your exfoliator.
Dos
Use gentle circular movements: Slow and gentle movements are key to sloughing off dead skin cells without hurting or irritating the skin. Start at your feet and work your way up. To aid lymphatic drainage, exfoliate with gentle circular movements in the direction of your heart.
Follow exfoliation with moisturisation: Always apply a nourishing body lotion or body butter after exfoliating to soothe and hydrate your skin. Exfoliating removes the dry skin cells off the top layer of skin, which allows your body butter to penetrate better.
Always choose a sugar scrub: Have you ever had to choose between a sugar crystal and salt crystal scrub? It’s important to always choose a sugar scrub – sugar crystals are round, meaning they glide across the skin effortlessly, removing dead skin cells without causing any harm. Salt crystals, on the other hand, have jagged edges which make them rougher on the skin, sometimes leading to micro-tears.
Don’ts
Don’t scrub too hard: It might be tempting to give your skin a really good, hard scrub from time to time, but if you scrub too hard it could lead to micro-tears in the skin, making it vulnerable to infection. Plus, scrubbing too vigorously may lead to sensitivity and redness. Err on the side of caution and use gentle movements instead.
Don’t exfoliate too regularly: There is no hard and fast rule for how often you should exfoliate, but experts recommend once a week if your skin is sensitive, or twice a week if not. Over-exfoliating can be damaging to the skin’s barrier function and may aggravate or cause sensitivity.
Don’t exfoliate irritated skin: Is your skin sunburnt or red? Do you struggle with itchy eczema or dermatitis? Don’t reach for your exfoliator if your skin is irritable, as you may be doing more harm than good. Chat to your skincare therapist or medical practitioner first to determine a regime suitable for your needs.
Tree Hut is known for their delectable range of feel-good scrubs, body butters, shave oils and other skin-loving products that not only work like a charm but come in the most incredible scents. Tree Hut Sugar Scrubs not only smell incredible, but they are filled with sugar crystals, shea butter and other skin-loving natural ingredients chosen for their nourishing properties. They are formulated without parabens, sulphates and other harmful chemical ingredients.
Their top three Tree Hut Sugar Scrub scents for winter are:
Tree Hut Sugar Scrub Moroccan Rose: Boost your shower routine, scrub away the day and reveal soft, glowing skin with the luscious scent of Moroccan Rose. Made with Sugar, Shea Butter, and an array of natural oils like Moroccan Argan, Rosehip, Evening Primrose, Avocado, Macadamia, Sweet Almond, Safflower and Orange Oils.
Tree Hut Sugar Scrub Vanilla: Shimmer and shine with Tree Hut’s Vanilla Shea Sugar Scrub. Packed with real vanilla extract to soothe skin and colloidal gold, known to increase skin elasticity, this shimmering scrub will have you glowing from head to toe.
Tree Hut Sugar Scrub Vitamin C: Boost your shower routine, scrub away the day and reveal soft, glowing skin with the warm, floral scent of Exotic Bloom. Made with Sugar, Shea Butter, and an array of natural oils like Hemp Seed, Lavender, Evening Primrose, Avocado, Macadamia, Sweet Almond, Safflower and Orange Oils.
Tree Hut Sugar Scrubs are available here as well as from selected Clicks stores, Clicks Online, Takealot, and Amazon.co.za.
